In this incident, on April 2nd, 2020, TeamProTow received an emergency dispatch about a semi-tractor collision, and a loaded trailer stuck in the median. We dispatched a heavy-duty rotating crane-style wrecker and heavy-duty towing truck to the scene. On route, we learned the I90 had been closed due to the accident, so traffic was at a standstill.

Scene Assessment

At the scene, we met with the incident command post and assessed the situation. There was heavy debris, a vehicle in multiple pieces blocking the roadway, and a motor vehicle fluid spill.

We reported to the command post and got permission from the vehicle owner to do what was needed for semi-truck recovery. The incident command informed us that WSP would be doing a commercial vehicle enforcement investigation during the initial scene investigation. Only once both investigations were complete could our team begin the recovery.

Recovery Work

Our team got to work with permission given to use the Westbound lanes for our semi-truck recovery work. We set up rigging and recovery equipment and managed to get traffic flowing as we worked. Since we were working uphill, extra calculations and precautions were put into play.

We managed to move the tractor and trailer combination until it became clear the fuel tanks were at risk of further damage and causing a fuel spill. Our team had to stop due to the unstable terrain causing issues with the loaded trailer. We decided to return in the morning with a new plan and meanwhile cleared away the equipment and roadway of any debris.

Semi-truck Recovery

The next day WSDOT approved traffic management plans, and we dispatched a traffic management company and got an attenuator trailer device. In addition to the original equipment, we also brought a heavy-duty recovery wrecker, compact track loader, dump trailer, flatbed tow truck, and another medium duty tow truck. Fully loaded and ready to go, our team set out for the scene once again for heavy-duty towing and recovery.

Once they set up traffic control, we began our recovery work. We found that 20 to 30 gallons of fuel oil and engine coolant had spilled into the soil. First, we safely rigged and moved the tractor and trailer to the roadside. Then, TeamProEnviro did a complete cleanup of the roadway and median.

The damage was extensive enough that we had to transport the combination without separating, despite trying to do so twice. Instead, our team transported the combination and our equipment back to the storage yard with professional heavy-duty towing.

To stop any spill contamination, we installed a portable parking stall containment berm and reconditioned the equipment. We manifested and transported all debris and contaminated soil. Later, outside of work hours, we did a non-routine mechanical separation for the tractor and trailer. Only then did we complete the paperwork and give the cleared call.

Be sure to check out our other incident reports on our Recovery Blog!

If you require truck accident recovery, give Pro-tow 24-Hour Towing a call.

In this incident, on May 18th, 2020, Team Pro-Tow responded to a dispatch for a truck and trailer that had gone off the roadway into the ditch on Witte Road. The trailer had a 30,000 lbs load, and together with the truck, the entire lift was over 60,000 lbs. The road was narrow, which made it challenging to complete this heavy truck tow.

Recovery Plan with a Rotating Crane Style Wrecker

We needed an HD rotating crane-style wreck and HD wrecker to get this truck recovery done. Unfortunately, drivers kept crossing our cones and into the safety zone. We needed traffic control to help out to get our equipment to work on the narrow roadway.

After creating a safe recovery plan, we needed to set things up to avoid overhead power lines and a low overpass while performing a 60-foot truck and trailer lift. It was a challenging heavy truck tow, but thankfully damage hadn’t caused an oil pan leak.

We decided to winch forward, setting the recovery truck in front of the casualty. We set up the rotating crane-style wrecker to perform a rear overhead light and reposition the truck and trailer on the road.

Working Hard to Minimize Damage

When lifting such a huge, cumbersome load, our team takes extra steps to minimize damage to the truck and trailer. In this case, we used soft recovery straps and secured the frame with shackles to keep it from breaking up. We also used strap protectors to prevent damage. We configured a wood frame around the left gate too. These extra safety precautions prevented the trailer from further damage.

Time to Lift

When our crane-style wrecker performed the overhead lift, it registered 28,000 pounds with the load leaning to the rear. As you could imagine, slow and steady work was the only way to prevent damage.
Our team carefully operated the rotator in harmony with the recovery truck parked in the front. We finally were able to get the truck and trailer back on the roadway and positioned for a heavy truck tow. We removed all the rigging and towed the casualty to a safe location.

Be sure to check out our other incident reports on our Recovery Blog!

If you require truck accident recovery, give Pro-tow 24-Hour Towing a call.